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A 15-year-old runner at the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon crossed the finish line thanks to a selfless act of kindness by an LAPD sergeant.
The marathon, which drew more than 20,000 participants to the streets of L.A. on March 17, saw countless stories of perseverance, including the inspiring story of Leobardo Dorado.
Dorado, an eighth-grader running his second marathon, faced a daunting challenge toward the end of the race. He collapsed from exhaustion just 0.2 miles from the finish line.
LAPD Sergeant Jay Balgemino, who was stationed near the finish line, immediately sprang into action.
After calling for medical assistance and contacting Dorado’s mother through the information provided on his race bib, Balgemino said the determined young runner asked him, “Did I finish?”
The sergeant’s response set the stage for a memorable conclusion to Dorado’s marathon journey. “The mom looked at me and I said, ‘Well, you really didn’t finish, but if you want to finish, I can help him,’” Balgemino shared. “He said, ‘I want to finish.’”
Dorado put one arm over his sister and another over Balgemino and mustered up the strength to finish the race.
“I’m really proud of that boy … You inspired me. Maybe I’ll run the marathon because of you,” Balgemino later said.
Dorado’s mother, Rosio Berumen, was proud of her son’s achievement. “It’s his second marathon, and we are very appreciative of the people that helped him,” she said.
L.A. Marathon officials also found inspiration in Dorado’s journey. “Anyone can finish a marathon. You just have to have that heart and the willingness to get there,” said Stacy Embretson, the L.A. Marathon’s senior director of operations.
Balgemino, modest about his role in the day’s events, stressed that the accolades belong to Dorado. “The kid did the work. He ran the marathon on his own. I just helped push him in the end to get him to the finish line,” he said.
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